Obituary: John Barron (1939 - 2014)

It is with great sadness that the family of John Barron share the news of his passing. John died at home, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. He left this world amid glorious music, listening to a recording of the 1975 Ontario Youth Choir (which he had conducted) and taking his last breath on the final note of the final piece, "Le Temps de Vivre".

John was an inspiring music educator, conductor, consultant, clinician, arranger, author, and co-founder of the Amabile Youth Singers and Amabile Choirs of London, Canada. He received numerous awards for his contributions to choral music, including the Order of Canada and the Distinguished Service award from the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors. John's passion, musicality and generosity inspired and supported hundreds of young musicians. He loved hearing from former students and choir members and learning what paths their lives had taken.

Outside of music, John loved golfing, gardening, traveling, and playing cribbage. He had an impish sense of humour, an abiding interest in history, and a quiet but very sincere concern for those less fortunate.

He will be deeply missed by Lowell, his loving wife of 47 years, his four daughters, Jennie (Erik Leslie) of Nelson, BC, Naomi (Troy Milleker) of Toronto, Julie (Michael Zaugg) of Edmonton, and Katie (Lee Waxberg) of Toronto, as well as his eight grandchildren – Quinn, Felix, Liam, Luna, Matilda, Clara, Lucy and Benji – who brought him such delight, even in his final months and days. Also lovingly remembered by dear brother Ken (Peggy) of Penticton, many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday May 8, from 6-9 pm, at Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St West, Toronto. A memorial service will be held at Eglinton St George's, 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto, on Saturday May 10 at 2 pm. All those wishing to sing in the service may contact Tammy Rees (trees@amabile.com) (London) or Olena Jatsyshyn (olena.amadeuschoir@gmail.com) (Toronto) for information about music, transportation and rehearsing.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the John and Lowell Barron Amabile Choirs Endowment Fund (P.O. Box 201, London, Ontario, CanadaN6A 4V8) would be gratefully appreciated.